Europe's future as a dynamic, competitive global region will depend largely on its ability to increase the number of highly trained people within EU Member States and to attract others from abroad. The meeting in Aarhus highlighted that developing and nurturing more talented individuals is already central to the mission of European universities.

One of the most striking developments in recent years in this respect has been the rapid development of doctoral (PhD) education within universities. The establishment of structured doctoral programs and schools has rapidly become the norm in Europe. Other recent changes have also included improved university-industry partnerships and rapid internationalisation of universities.

At the same time, universities face a number of challenges in developing talent - not least because of increasing global competition to attract and retain the best researchers and students. At a time when the EU is preparing priorities and budgets for the next financial period (2014-2020) the Conference examined the elements that condition successful strategies for developing talent and will determine universities' contribution to the EU2020 agenda for "Smart, Sustainable, and Inclusive Growth".

Participants discussed various ways of embedding research from the undergraduate level onwards and underlined how engaging undergraduate students in research improves their overall educational experience - and also increases interest in pursuing research careers. They also analysed different ways of creating a critical mass that makes it easier for universities to develop better career opportunities and structures for young researchers.

As employers, universities themselves also play a crucial role in developing talent. University leaders agreed, for example, that they will need to improve support to young researchers in writing their first grant proposal, or through transversal skills development. They will also be required to provide clear recruitment and exit procedures, as well as do more to retain staff through a set of institutional benefits such as supplementary pension schemes, support for international mobility, and competitive wages.

European institutions of higher education will also need to put in place the additional human-resource (HR) management needed to support international recruitment. University rectors, presidents, and vice-chancellors will also have to focus on mentoring and grooming the next generation of university leaders.

In his concluding speech, EUA President Professor Jean-Marc Rapp underlined that universities need space to manage and develop their diverse missions. "Micro-management or over-regulation, both of which we can still see in our systems, are the enemies of innovation and efficiency, while increased autonomy enables universities to exploit their potential to the full and to improve performance. Autonomous universities are also better able to attract additional funds. We are concerned that the present budget cuts will see a return to greater micro-management."

Professor Rapp reminded President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso, who attended and spoke at the Conference, of the importance of increasing public investment in higher education and research. "Two years ago you told us that investing more in education and research will help Europe emerge from recession faster and in better shape. This message is more relevant than ever today", he said, highlighting the cuts that have taken place in many European countries.

In his keynote speech President Barroso underlined that Europe had to value talent and use high-level education and skills to master the challenges ahead. At a time of fiscal consolidation across the EU, he advocated "smart fiscal consolidation" - singling out education, research, and innovation as "growth-friendly expenditures". To mark EUA's tenth anniversary celebration in Aarhus, President Barroso also underlined the key role EUA has played in European higher education. "Your voice in shaping reforms and your drive in seeing them through will be invaluable for the next ten years", he commented.

Based on the outcomes of this meeting, in the coming weeks EUA will develop an Aarhus Declaration that will focus on the key role of universities in developing talent.